**Taemins’ POV**

I regretted it the moment I had snapped. I could still recall the hurt in his hazel eyes, the way they dropped to the pavement instead of meeting mine. I wanted to tell him, the pain I felt as I relived Jonghyuns’ words that tore my heart open, but I couldn’t. How could he have understood? Not only am I in love with my middle-school crush, but I’m still so confused with my feelings of being gay. It wasn’t something I wanted to openly admit, although I knew in my heart that he would accept me without question, but he was already a victim to his own self-doubt and hatred, I couldn’t burden him with my pathetic problems.

I stopped in my tracks, taking a deep breath as I let my eyes finally settle on the footpath ahead. I had been so nerve-racked that I didn’t bother to actually see where I was headed. Looking around, I couldn’t even identify where I was. The buildings looked worn down and unused, and with the hot sun beating down on me, I couldn’t feel more lost. - I sank to the pavement, stretching my legs out and resting my face in my sweaty palms. I was slipping into my own thoughts when I was interrupted.

“Erm, Taemin, right?” A sweet voice protruded my ears, causing my head to shoot up and stare into her beautiful chocolate brown eyes, taking my time to let them observe her rosy cheeks and soft skin. I felt my heart flutter and my ears grow a dark shade of red as she examined me with her innocent gaze.
“I-im sorry, who are you?” I couldn’t stop staring, rude or not, the way she held herself and the perfectly pure aura that illuminated her presence was something I couldn’t help but envy. It’s so strange, I’ve never felt this way in the presence of a girl but she was something else.
“Oh~ Sorry, of course you don’t know who I am,” She laughed lightly, brushing some of her neat curls over her shoulder and covering her smile with her hand, “I’m your junior, Song Na-Eun.”

I frowned slightly, the name sounded familiar as she spoke, maybe one of Jonghyuns’ many pursuits. Regardless, her warming smile suggested otherwise. Something nuzzled into my leg causing me to jump as fur brushed against my jeans. Looking down, My eyes met with a stark white Pomeranian, its tongue lolling to the side as he yipped. I lit up, reaching for the small dog and running my fingers through his soft fur.

“Sorry about that, James is over-friendly.” Humming gently, she dropped to the ground and scooped him into her thin arms, “Have you been crying?” She leans in, her face inches from mine as I pull away, “N-no!” I shook my head quickly, defending my pride and pushing my lips into a pout.

It stayed silent for a moment, but it felt comfortable as she smiled, nuzzling into her small puppy.

“Wait, how do you know my name?” The thought dawned on me, and I watched as she turned a lovely shade of pink.
“I-um…. Had a crush on you.” She mumbled out, embarrassed by her confession.
“Had?” I wonder what changed.
“I can tell you aren’t interested in the women students, if you know what I mean.” She gave a faint hearted smile, brushing her hair from her eyes. I was thinking about re-butting, defending myself against her words, but why bother when she was obviously so sure? Instead smiled a little, my voice salty as I asked;
“What gave it away?”
“Hmm, well you not denying it really confirms it. But as your junior with a school-girl crush,” She giggled, nudging me gently as her dog wiggled from her arms and went to roll on the pavement, “I watched you a lot. I denied it for months, but as I tried to get closer, I could tell by the way you look at your friends, that you felt more for them then you ever would for someone like me.”
“That’s not entirely true,” I watched as her eyes grew round in surprise, “The only crush I had ever had was for a boy as the girls haven’t ever caught my interest so I assumed that was the way I swung.” I admitted sheepishly, shrugging my shoulders before quietly adding, “Why do I find you attractive, even if I don’t… feel-“ I shut my mouth, unsure on how to word my feelings.
“Y-you think I’m attractive?” She blushed heavily, “I can’t believe I stupidly confessed so casually, you probably think I’m silly.” She waved her hands in front of her face in embarrassment.
“No, you just seem very forward, you aren’t silly.” I hummed, a smile tugging on the corner of my lips.
She nodded in thanks, watching me curiously, “I never asked, but, why are you sitting on the ground?”
“Oh….” So for the next five or so minutes, I explained what had happened with Jonghyun, the hickey on my neck and how I had taken Kibum shopping for his birthday and then I snapped. She was very understanding, sitting quietly as I explained everything to her, and stayed silent until the very end.

“You…love Jonghyun?” She looks up at me, curious more than judgemental. The words stumped me when I heard them spoken by someone else. I had always assumed that I had reached that point, where I had fallen in love with him, but, I didn’t even know what that word meant, I was only young in all honesty.
“Y-yes.” I stammered out the words, feeling strange as I finally spoke them outloud. I had been so caught up in a fantasy, telling myself I was in love with him, and at some point, I’m sure I really was.
“You don’t seem sure.” She hummed out gently, leaning forward to gently run my arm in comfort.
“I was so sure…” I confessed, feeling my insides clench.
“You will say it with confidence when you are. You won’t question it. I mean, he is the school buff, I wouldn’t blame you for being infatuated.”

I nodded, and she had started wiping away my tears before I even realised that they were falling. I felt so vunerable to a girl I barely knew.

“L-lets not talk about this anymore.” I gently pushed her hands away, furiously blinking the tears away, “Why were you walking through here? Its pretty much deserted.”

She heavily blushed, shaking her head, “N-not really. My house is just above the bakery on the corner,” She pointed behind her, “It’s a few blocks away. It was just luck that I needed to walk James, it was fate that I found you here.” Tilting her head towards me, she gave me a heart warming smile. I don’t know what came over me, but as I leant forward and brushed her hair behind her ear, I knew I had to try, just once. I smiled a little before pressing my lips against hers. Maybe I just need reassurance in my uality, she had made me question my feelings ever since she arrived and I needed to be sure. Her lips were warm and inviting, but it didn’t feel right. I felt nothing for this young girl, even though I thought she was something heavenly in person and made my heart race. Somewhat relief and disappointment washed over me as I pull back gently and mutter an apology to the girl as I rested my forehead against hers. She simply shook her head against mine, pull back gently, a smile on her lips.

“Thank you.” She hummed.
“Why?” I dropped my hand and blinked in surprise.
“That wasn’t anything like I thought it would be, you really are gay.” She laughed gently, jabbing me gently in the chest, “I could tell by the way you kissed me. It was just so awkward and I felt so wrong doing it. I’m so stupid for falling for you. Not because you are horrible or anything just…” She smiled and threw her arms around my neck and squeezed, “Being gay isn’t bad Oppa, but I also think you aren’t confident enough in yourself to actually have fallen in love quite yet. I’m sure that you will find someone someday.” Pulling back, she dug through her bag and pulled out a small white envelope, “Come to my birthday. Invite Jonghyun and Kibum ok?” She giggled and help out her hand, “Friends?” I looked down at it, taking a leap of faith with this overly excitable girl, “Friends.” I smiled a little, slipping my hand into hers.

She scooted beside me, resting her head on my shoulder in thought. We sat in silence for a short while, before interrupted by a small burst of sound from my phone. Looking down, I noticed Kibums’ face flash on the screen and hesitantly answering it, “Hello?”

Na-eun looked at me curiously, her wide eyes watching me with intrigue.

“Taemin, I just wanted to make sure you were ok.” He sounded quiet and distant on the phone, almost like he was scared I would snap again.
“I’m fine. I’m sorry I left you, I wasn’t ready to talk about it.” My eyes flicked over to her young ones again, pecking her forehead as she nuzzled into me, “But someone convinced me it was ok to talk about it.”
“Oh!” He sounded surprised, but much more like himself as he continued, “It’s alright, Jonghyun, told me about it.”

My heart stopped, What business did he have telling my friend what happened. Obviously hearing what he said she quickly shook her head at me, knowing I was still on edge. “Oppa~” She whispered gently, squeezing my hand. How did she know how to make everything ok? I feel so comfortable.  I sighed and nodded before speaking, “I see, are you there with him now?”
“Y-yeah, are you with a girl?” I could imagine him frowning, his small face crinkled up.
“Mm, Na-eun-ah. I will head to his soon and we can talk in person, alright? It will just be easier.” I hung up before he could ask more pressing questions. She was already on her feet before I could tell her anything.
“I’m off Oppa, I hope it all works out. See you at school.” Nodding happily, she tugged on James’ leash before heading off once again. My eyes dropped to the ground, feeling slightly dizzy. This has been a very confusing day.

** Kibums’ POV**

Looking down at my phone, I frowned slightly, Who was that girl? I racked my brain but I didn’t recognise her voice, “Na-eun.” I mumbled her name before my eyes flicked up and I saw a cheeky Jonghyun standing in the doorway, a small cupcake in his hands with a candle perched on top.

“Jong-“ I started, a smile breaking out on my face as he began to sing, walking carefully towards me.
“Happy birthday to you~” He grinned, kneeling infront of me, “Happy Birthday to you~, happy birthday dear Bummie,” He held the cupcake up to me, so the candle hovered inches from my lips, as he finished singing, “Happy birthday to you. Make a wish.” The last words was a cool whisper as he watched me intently. Taking a breath, I blew out the candle and felt so grateful to him for the small gesture.
“You remembered.” I took the cupcake and pecked his nose as he moved from his spot to sit next to me on the bed.
“Of course, I didn’t think you would be visiting me until tonight so I didn’t exactly have anything cake-like except for this just yet.” A soft blush lit up his cheeks as I watched him, “It’s perfect.” I leaned forward, taking a bite of the soft cupcake, the chocolate flavour exploding in my mouth as I hummed with satisfaction.

“So good.” I looked over only to have him staring at me in a way I had never seen before. His eyes were soft and doughy, his face only inches from me. I had never seen him look so- before another thought could enter my mind, he gently grabs my chin and his lips meet mine. It was so strange, a boy I had known for so long to be kissing me, his lips were gentle yet wanting against mine and I wish I could have given any type of reaction, even if it was to push him away. I was still too frozen in complete shock to kiss him back. My first kiss- My body became hyper aware as his hands roamed over my chest and onto my waist. I made a small squeak before pulling back, my cheeks aflame with embarrassment and my heart racing faster than it had ever before. We obviously were just as shocked as each other at the events that unfolded, as I quickly blurted out the first thing that came to mind;

“I’m not gay.” As my heart began to slow down, I fidgeted with my shirt as my gaze reluctantly met his.
“You touched the bottom of the cake?” He tried to joke, a quirked smile on his lips before he sighed, “I’m not saying you are. I just felt the sudden need. I’m sorry.”
“Why did you—“ I began but he waved off the question.
“Please don’t.” He said, and I watched as his eyes flash with hurt….and guilt?
“I’m not just one of your wannabe conquests Jonghyun.” I spoke firmly, shaking my head, “I at least thought I meant more to you then that."

Something twinged in my heart as I spoke and I became a little light-headed as he replied quickly, “Forget it ever happened.” I wanted to keep arguing but I was just so confused with the events that just unfolded that I nodded my head, placing my barely eaten cupcake beside me.

“Taemin-“ I spoke suddenly, “He will be here shortly.” I cleared my throat as I stood up, knowing I would feel awkward if I stayed beside him any longer. Why did he have to make it feel so weird. “Bathroom. I need to use the bathroom.” I coughed, avoiding eye contact as I almost bolted from the room. Before I could even get a step out the door, his hand had wrapped around my wrist, twisting me around and pinned me to the wall. Jonghyun moved close, his chest almost against mine as my face once again flushed, our heat hot between us with a strange allure, fogging my sensors.

“I don’t want things to be awkward between us Bummie because of a silly kiss.” He hummed softly, reaching up and pushing my fringe from my eyes, my breath too caught up in my chest to even speak, “I would never think of you as a conquest, you mean so much more to me than that. You and Taemin both do. I really care for you Kibum.” His eyes moved up to meet mine, and I almost melted in their chocolate goodness.
“Um….” I tried to speak, willing myself to even get a word out before he reached up, brushing his fingers over my neck carefully, “For someone who isn’t gay, you sure seem to be enjoying it.” I swear my heart stopped in that instant, his lips brushing gently over my ear, caressing the lobe with his tongue and I couldn’t help but let out a small moan. My body flushed and I needed to get out of there but he had me at his command. I was so helpless against him. This is so wrong, this is so- He gently let a hand slide over my stomach, playing with my waistband and that’s when I snapped.

“Stop!” I yelled, he seemed just as surprised as I was when I shoved him away roughly, “Don’t touch me.” My cheeks felt hot and I felt disgusting all over, “We have been best friends for years, I can’t believe you would try and ruin this.”
“Ruin this? Bummie, I said that I care for you more then let it affect our friendship, this is all just fun and games.” He dropped his hands, looking confused.
“You take advantage of Taemin and then take my first kiss, what kind of friend does that?”
“You still think I took advantage of him? You should have seen how hot he got for me. He ripped my shirt open, begging for more as I gave him the hickey.” He gave a quirked smile and my stomach dropped.
“You disgust me.” Shaking my head, I gritted my teeth and walked straight out of his room, my hands balled into fists, “Don’t ever talk to me again.” I didn’t bother looking back, I couldn’t. Not with everything he just said, I loved you like a brother Jonghyun, how dare you.

A loud knock sounded through the house and I was at the front door at seconds, pulling the door open and seeing my beloved friend smiling at me shyly, a kind of happiness I hadn’t seen in a while. “We need to go.” I grabbed his hand, leading him away from the house. His expression shifted to confusion the further I dragged him away. I wanted to cry, somewhere inside I felt so numb, I had just lost a friend, but why did it all feel so unreal? I couldn’t bring myself to cry, not now with Taemin finally smiling again. I swallowed the feeling, shaking my head as I blinked away the tears that began to slowly cloud my vision.

“I need to speak to Jonghyun.” He pouted, gripping my hand tight and stopping me in my tracks.
“Not right now.” I shook my head, turning back to meet his eyes, “We will discuss it later. I- I want to apologise to you for pushing so hard.”
“Don’t worry about it Hyung. It’s your birthday, we should be out celebrating. Your day is half wasted and I can’t let you waste anymore, alright?” He smiled softly, pulling me into an unexpected hug. Closing my eyes a little, I grinned, I asked;
“What did Na-eun do to you?”
“She made me realise who I am.”

**Jonghyuns’ POV**

It hurt so much watching him walk out that door. No matter how much I tried to forget, the hatred in his eyes as I told him how it felt to take Taemins’ innocence was burnt into my mind. I couldn’t stop him, and our friendship was now impair able, just like she wanted. I leant my head against the window pane, watching as My best friend dragged Taemin down the street with harsh determination to get as far away from me as possible. I deserve it. I couldn’t help the gut-wrenching sobs that threatened to break from me, but I couldn’t, I had one last thing to do. I waited a moment, taking deep breaths before I slid my phone from my pocket, dialling Sullis’ number as a numbness set in as she answered the phone in a cheerful greeting.

“Hello Jonghyun, is it done?” Evil .
“Yes. Now you promise to not show anyone those pictures?” I prayed that this was all I had to do to save Taemins’ reputation on the basketball team and spare his humiliation.
“Eww, yes. Now that you have gotten rid of those unpopular, gay friends of yours, you can finally be the school jock and date me.” I could almost see the smile on her evil, little face as she spoke through the phone.
“Get rid of them.” I gritted through my teeth.
“Fine,” She sighs, “I’ll get rid of those faggoty pictures of you and Taemin making out if you become my boyfriend.”
“That was never the deal.” I feel so trapped, I have just lost both my best friends because I was dumb enough to leave my blinds open for a nosy to take photos as I kissed him.
“Things change sweetheart, I guess I’ll announce our little relationship on Monday, Chou Babe.” The phone line went dead, causing me to throw my phone against the wall, hard. I’m so sorry Kibum, I had to, to protect our junior. Please forgive me. Tears finally escaped and ran down my cheeks as I buried my face in my hands in shame.

** Kibums’ POV**

“He really did that?” Taemins eyes widened as I finished the story, slurping on my cold bubble tea. The landscape passed by quickly, blurring to street lights as the sun finally faded from view, replacing it with a dark sky.
“Mm, I couldn’t believe it. Thinking back on it now, it didn’t feel like it was him doing it, you know?” I sighed, pulling my straw in and out of the lid impatiently as the bus bumpily drove us back to Taemins’ house.
“I’m glad I didn’t forgive him.” The younger boy pouted, running his fingers through his hair in frustration.
“I guess, and I can’t believe you kissed a girl.” I grinned, glad to change the subject as he turned a bright shade of red, huffing and shoving me playfully.
“I know, I just- She really was beautiful Hyung.” He admitted to me, making me almost fangirl for him inside.
“I’m glad you met her and you sorted everything out.” Ever since he told me what happened, I could see the change this girl had made to him in the short time they had been together.
“Hmm~ So, know what you would like to watch tonight hyung?” He asked, looking over at me curiously as I tapped my chin, settling on a thought.
“I just need sleep at the moment. We can celebrate tomorrow, this has been a weird and confusing day for us both and I don’t need any more surprises.” I laugh lightly, pressing the bell as we pull up to his stop. Standing up, I take his hand in mine and tug him to follow me. I thanked the bus driver and shrugged my coat on, but even that didn’t stop the harsh winds greeting me. Stepping into the chilly air, I realise just how quickly the temperature had dropped im the last hour as I shiver involuntarily. I feel him shake a little in the wind before scooping me up in his arms. I let out a shriek of alarm, wiggling in embarrassment as my bubble tea falls to the ground and I cling to him desperately.
“What are you doing?” I huff, kicking my feet, “I’m not a girl, I can walk.”
“I know, but your legs are too short to keep up and I’m really cold.” He laughs lightly, holding me close as he takes large strides down the street. Rolling my eyes, I was secretly glad his body heat was hiding me from the harsh breeze that stalked us from behind.

Silence followed us the rest of the way home, but I was glad that I had a good afternoon once I left Jonghyuns’ house. We had stopped for bubble tea and a good talk about what had happened since the argument in the early morning. A realisation thought hit me and I felt my body fill with adrenaline. “Taemin!” I looked up at him, alarm on my face as I began to panic, “I left my stuff at Jonghyuns’, what am I going to do?”
“Kibum! Calm down, we will get it back.” He nodded confidently, calming me down slightly but I couldn’t help the irky feeling that he may hold my dress for leverage. I nodded a little anyway, changing my track of thought onto the events that happened in his bedroom.
“Tae, do you think I was too harsh with Jonghyun?” I my lips gently, still remembering his hands all over me.
“No, what would have happened if you hadn’t stopped him?” He questioned, looking down at me strictly, “You did the right thing getting out of there.” Placing me down on the steps, he dug through his pocket for the keys. What if I didn’t fight the urge I had to let him continue? I knew there was a part of me that wanted too, but why? I mean, I had never felt an attraction to girls in any way but, I didn’t feel anything for Jonghyun either. What about…. My eyes drifted up, watching Taemin look back and flash me one of his world famous quirked smiles. My heart leapt as my eyes flicked to stare at the door as I clear my throat. Slipping my shoes off, I follow him inside the dimly lit house and followed him down the hall quietly.

“Tae-baby, why is it so quiet?” I whisper, crossing my arms as I look around.
“You goose, my parents are away for the weekend, don’t even worry about staying quiet.” He laughs, his positive voice echoing down the hall. In a sudden movement, he turns back and grabs me around the waist and throws me over his shoulder. “YAH!” I let out a loud yell, squealing in delight as he marched me to the living room. He places me carefully on the couch and climbs on top. Even in the completely darkness I could see the outline of his face. His smooth jaw, sharp eyes and thin nose, complimented by his long-ish blonde mop on his head. The air stayed thick with tension as he leaned close, his knee between my legs as his palms stayed planted on either side of my head. My breathing became heavy, and even in the dark I felt my face become red. He bent down, gently brushing his nose against mine.

“Why did I fall for that fool, Kibum? I was so infatuated with someone who didn’t care about me, why couldn’t I have fallen for you instead?” He spoke in a whisper, and I felt my tongue go dry in my mouth.
“E-erm….” It was all I could stammer out, I’m already confused, please don’t kiss me... I silently prayed, watching the boys’ outline disappear from on top of me, ruffling my hair.
“Want some ice-cream Umma?” He asked, passing me the tv remote. I shakily reached out and took it, nodding in the dark.
“Y-yes please.” I tried my best to smile, laughing awkwardly as I began to flick through the channels, willing my heart to stop beating so fast. Why today of all days? Happy birthday to me. I thought sarcastically as he disappeared from view.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: Woah, i was just so excited I couldn't stop writing, I was on a roll. A bit of an unexpected turn tbh but I'm happy. I think there is more closure for Taemin with his identity, and Kibum is just confused AF as to what he is feeling. Everyone just went around kissing everyone O.O Here is some feels for your TaeNaeun, Jongkey and Taekey needs <3